Australian dietitians predict Top 5 nutrition trends for 2016

Kale and coconut oil may have been the latest food trend in 2015 but according to a new study by Appetite Communications and Dietitian Connection, these foods are on the way out in 2016.

The survey results, based on analysis from more than 100 dietitians, reveals that consumers are moving on in 2016.

The study names its predictions for the Top 5 nutrition trends for 2016:

Top five nutrition trends for 2016

When old becomes new – trending IN

The dietitians predict ancient grains and turmeric will be popular in 2016. “Ancient grains such as quinoa and spelt have been popular for a while now and dietitians are telling us that this will continue, alongside the growth in popularity of lesser-known grains such as freekah and teff,” said Maree Ferguson, director of Dietitian Connection.

“This is good news as the message from dietitians around the importance of wholegrains seems to be getting through,” she says.

Teff is a tiny grain traditionally grown in Ethiopia that packs a big punch nutritionally – it’s high in dietary fibre and iron, provides calcium and protein and is gluten free.

Fading fads – trending OUT

Some of 2015’s most talked about foods are on the way out according to the survey – kale, bone broth and coconut oil/water are predicted to be the foods that consumers will drop in 2016. “These predictions show that food can often be a little like fashion – what’s in today may not be in tomorrow! However, that’s no reason to stop eating a green leafy vegetable like kale, it just highlights how quickly we adopt new trends then move on to the next big thing,” said Ferguson

Diets in demand

The dietitians predict the low/no sugar diet, the FODMAPs diet and intermittent fasting will be amongst the most popular – but not necessarily what they would recommend when it comes to weight loss or maintenance. “Consumers are being exposed to a variety of ‘new’ and ‘latest’ weight loss programmes, secrets, supplements and methods – more than ever before thanks to the rise of social media,” said Andrea Mortensen of Appetite Communications.

Diet MISinformation

The dietitians say that social media, celebrity nutritionists and bloggers among the top sources of misinformation for diet and nutrition information in 2016,” says Ferguson.

“Whilst there are some fantastic blogs, websites and social media pages run by dietitians on food and nutrition, there are also a growing number that are not, with some questionable advice being offered. Always check when you are looking for information on nutrition online that it’s being provided by an accredited practising dietitian,” says Ferguson.

The Confusion Continuum

Unfortunately the rise of social media and the ‘non-expert’ has created confusion amongst consumers about what to eat, and dietitians predict this will continue in 2016, with more than half of those surveyed predicting consumers will be more confused than they were in 2015,” says Ferguson.

“It’s important that Australians ‘cut through the clutter’ when it comes to information they receive on food and nutrition – and if in doubt, make an appointment to see an accredited practising dietitian who can help you do this,” says Ferguson.

Dietitians’ own tips for healthier eating in 2016:

The survey findings have additionally revealed a list of healthier eating tips for Australian consumers

Tip 1: Eat mindfully: be aware of and attentive to what you are eating, take your time and enjoy it – this helps to reset your body to respond to the physical need to eat rather than an emotional one

Tip 2: Include more plant-based foods in your diet: think outside the traditional fruit and vege square and look to pulses, legumes, nuts, seeds and wholegrains

Tip 3:Eat guilt-free: enjoy a balanced diet based on core foods with the OCCASIONAL treat

Tip 4:Know your portions: and stick to them

Tip 5:Eat more: fruits and vegetables

Tip 6: Eat less: ‘discretionary foods’ or treats – keep these as an occasional indulgence, not an everyday staple

About Dietitian Connection and Appetite Communications

Dietitian Connection was established in 2012 by Dr Maree Ferguson as a resource for nutrition professionals. Appetite Communications is a Sydney-based company that specialises in nutrition-based communications.